In spite of a recent closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ellsworth Meadows Golf Club is bringing in record revenues. After weeks of staying home and most sports activities cancelled, people flocked to Ellsworth Meadows when the State eased restrictions and the course reopened.
With sales being approximately $41,000 under projection in April, Ellsworth Meadows generated $316,615 in sales in June, the highest in the history of the course. July sales were the second highest at $310,617. Sales in June, July and August all were over original budget projections.
“Reopening the course wasn’t easy,” said Trent Wash, Assistant Director of Public Works. “We had to learn a new way of doing things. We worked closely with the health department, looking at every potential ‘touch point’ to implement the best possible safety precautions for our golfers and our staff.”
When the course first reopened, food service and other amenities were not yet permitted by State and health department guidelines. Golf carts were limited to one rider per cart and common touch points, such as water coolers, were removed. Surfaces are cleaned and sanitized regularly.
Golf carts are sterilized after each ride. Food service is now available, with the seating limited to half of what was previously permitted. Masks and social distancing are required inside the clubhouse.
Versatile scooters (pictured above) were added and have become a popular way of navigating the course. The City hopes to add more scooters in the future.
“We found that with one rider per cart, overall play speed was increased which allowed golfers to get through the course faster,” said Wash. “That not only was a benefit for golfers but also helped increase our sales.” COVID also encouraged more online tee time registrations.
For more information about Ellsworth Meadows or to schedule a tee time, visit www.ellsworthmeadows.com.